King Cobra

King cobras are exceptionally long venomous snakes distributed from India through southern China and Southeast Asia to Indonesia and the Philippines. They occupy forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps and adjoining agricultural landscapes, frequently near streams. Adults vary from yellowish or olive to brown or black, usually with pale crossbars. When threatened, they can elevate the front of the body, spread the neck and maintain an imposing defensive posture. (Animal Diversity Web)

Unlike most snakes, king cobras specialize in eating other snakes, including rat snakes and pythons. Females gather leaves and branches into mound nests whose decomposing vegetation supplies warmth to the eggs. The female remains to guard the nest, while the male may stay nearby. Although their venom and defensive display make them dangerous when cornered or guarding eggs, individuals generally attempt to escape encounters when a safe retreat remains available. (Animal Diversity Web)